Techniques and Tests for Functional Ophthalmic Disorders

Abstract

As with any patient, the first step in the functional patient encounter is to conduct a complete clinical examination looking for signs of organic disease. If this exam is negative, the next step is to (1) proceed with further testing to demonstrate that the visual system is intact and (2) look for inconsistencies between the patient’s complaint and the actual findings on examination. This chapter suggests a specific order of testing for complaints of total blindness, monocular blindness, decreased visual acuity, and decreased peripheral vision.